Hyundai in India has unveiled the facelifted Creta, giving the crossover an updated look and added equipment.

While the Creta was launched in South Africa in early 2017 (and has gone on to prove quite popular with local consumers), it has been offered in various global markets since 2015, so it was due a bit of a refresh.

The updated model gains a larger front grille (in the Korean automaker’s latest “cascading” style) that brings it in line with newer siblings in Hyundai’s crossover range, along with a redesigned front bumper. You’ll likely also notice the more substantial faux-skid-plate (repeated at the rear, along with tweaked tail-lamps), the new front foglamp arrangement and the fresh 17-inch alloys.

In India (the country that builds SA-spec models), the updated Creta will be offered with plenty of new equipment, including a sunroof, cruise control, a six-way powered driver’s seat, a smart key (with push-button start), a sliding front armrest and even wireless smartphone charging. Two-tone paintwork will also be offered in that market.

As before, the Creta features six airbags, ABS and EBD, a reversing camera, static bending lights and Isofix child-seat anchors (from what we can tell, it still does without traction control).

The engine line-up is carried over largely unchanged, and thus still comprises a naturally aspirated 1,6-litre petrol unit worth 90 kW/150 N.m and a 1,6 turbodiesel powerplant making 94 kW/260 N.m. However, Hyundai says these engines are a little more efficient than before. In India, a 1,4-litre diesel is also offered.

We’ve asked Hyundai Automotive South Africa when the facelifted Creta is expected to arrive on local shores and will update this story once we hear back…

Ryan has spent most of his career in online media, writing about everything from sport to politics and other forms of crime. But his true passion – reignited by a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 still tucked lifeless in a dark corner of his garage – is of the automotive variety.